Tibetan Terriers are one of the most ancient dog breeds. There is some disparity of their origin, but many historical accounts say the Tibetan Terrier was originally bred high in the mountains of Tibet by monks. They were considered very lucky dogs and were never sold (the monks considered them too valuable to put a price on). They were, however, given as gifts of luck to friends and travelers.

The Tibetan Terriers of today are great family dogs. They're sweet, playful, mild-mannered and good around older children. They love being with their people and do not like being left alone! Their extreme intelligence can make them a bit willful at times, but they're fairly easy to train and do great in competitions like agility.

The Tibetan Terrier does have a lot of energy, and although they'll thrive in an apartment setting they need daily exercise if they're to be happy. They love playing outside so if you've got a yard so much the better! Some owners report that their Tibetans adopt to their lifestyle, so if yours is more sedentary your Tibetan might learn to love lounging on the couch with you too.

These dogs do require a fair amount of grooming. Because of their long hair they need brushing at least every two days, and care should especially be taken on their belly and under the legs, as knots can form here rather fast. Although they don't shed very much, they need a weekly bath to keep their beautiful coat in top form. It may seem that with their long hair covering their face they can't see well, but they have long eyelashes that keep the hair out of their eyes and they can actually see very well.

If you would like more information about this great little breed, you can visit American Kennel Club at www.akc.org. If you would like information on adopting a Tibentan Terrier in dire need of a loving family, you can visit PetFinder.com.